An exciting new singing opportunity for children has begun in Bloomington-Normal, and is not only aiming to promote excellence in musical training, but also in the development of quality young people as well.
Music Connection's "Community Choristers" is a children’s choir program for kids ages 6 – 12 years old, and meets weekly on Tuesdays at 5:15, rehearsing at First Christian Church in Bloomington. Katie Henderson, Founder/Director of Music Connections Foundation, says that excellence has always been a core principle of the company, begun 21 years ago in the basement of her home: "When I started this business, I did a lot of intentional vision-planning, and one of decisions I committed to early was that, in every thing we do, we would embody excellence – being the best we could be; over the years, that has evolved in many ways, from my staff being committed to masterful teaching, to fostering the community’s best and brightest young musicians in our students, and even to promoting the best in core values in young people. I believe – no, I know – that music, can reach the heart, mind and soul in a way that nothing else can; it becomes the vehicle for growth in all areas." And, Henderson says, the research proves it. "There are a large number of scientific studies now that confirm that music is one activity that can improve our cognitive function, help our memory systems, help us to moderate our emotional states, help us to solve complex problems AND help our brains to be healthier into later life."
To that end, Katie recently realized her dream of having a children's choir program. "Kids graduate from Kindermusik at age seven, but there just aren’t a lot of avenues out there for them to continue to develop their voices in a group setting, and I wanted to be able to provide ongoing input into their musical and personal journeys."
When Katie began her professional association with Angela Bargmann, Music Connection's Choristers Director, she knew that Angela was the person for the job. "Angela was my Assistant Musical Director in the Holiday Spectacular (a show for which Katie was Musical Director for eight years), and when I first saw her working with young children, I knew that she was the person to spearhead our Children's Choir program. Excellence, fun, engagement – all of those same qualities that are fundamental to all of our programs – are a part of who Angela is and what she can bring to this group."
Angela’s rules in the group are simple: "Be respectful, Be safe, Be involved. By following those three simple guidelines," says Bargmann, "we can use our time productively to grow great singers AND have great fun while doing it! There's a lot we can teach early on about singing and via a choir program, in particular – about good vocal technique, about ensemble performance, about literature and musical styles – but when children are actively engaged in the process, (and that means having fun!), they learn best."
The group, begun in the late September and open to all area children, has about 20 members and has already performed several times. The first performance, "Thanks & Giving," was a collaboration with Stacy’s Dance Factory and a fundraiser for the Clare House. The choir also performed a Holiday program at Bro-Menn, and some members performed for the lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Bloomington. Upcoming performances include having Choristers sing the National Anthem at a Bloomington Flex Professional Basketball game at US Cellular Coliseum.
Giving back is something that Henderson is committed to: "Using our gifts and talents to bless others is something I am passionate about. When we started Choristers, I wanted all kids, not just those who can afford it, to have a chance to participate." So, partnering with First Christian Church and Kelley Becker, the Associate Pastor there, Henderson offered scholarships to a select group of kids from the Boys and Girls Club so they could join Choristers, and First Christian Church buses them to and from rehearsal each week. Henderson says, "These are kids who love music, singing, AND want to better themselves as young citizens. Alongside the other children in our group, and under a nurturing, talented director, the kids come together for an impactful, excellent musical experience. It's a unique model, and one in which all can learn and grow together."
Henderson hopes that, via its Not-For-Profit, outside funding can be increased to allow the group to have the resources it needs to sustain itself and to grow.
If you want more information about Choristers, you can email
musicconnections@comcast.net or visit http://musicconnections.org/classes/community-choristers/
